Tag Archives: Chapel Hill NC Wedding Photographer

Chapel Hill Carriage House Wedding
Chapel Hill, NC

Kelly and James had the most beautiful wedding at the Chapel Hill Carriage House! This has easily become one of our favorite wedding venues; not only is it filled with lush landscaping and thoughtful details – it’s also a working farm with goats, chickens, and an alpaca. (An alpaca that that they bring out in a bowtie and tophat = sold!) We could honestly shoot here every weekend – there are so many amazing locations for photos throughout the venue.

These two have been so fun and easy to work with over the last year. Kelly and James are seriously two of the nicest people you’ll meet, and it was easy to see how much their friends and family adored them. So many sweet, heartfelt toasts!

How did you and James meet?
“Ironically, we actually met via mutual friends on Facebook while attending UNCW. But we ‘officially’ met for the first time in the university’s student union cafeteria.”

How did James propose to you?
“He had my dad call and say that he wanted to take us to a fancy dinner at Angus Barn. My dad called again once we were there and said he wouldn’t be able to make it, but that we should still have dinner on him. After dinner, the waiter brought out a little cake for us covered up, and when we removed the lid, there was a little sign on it that said, ‘Will you marry me?’ (Note: I knew something was up because James barely touched his steak during dinner. Normally, a steak dinner doesn’t last more than 5 minutes on James’ plate!)

Aren’t these two stunning?! I really loved Kelly’s bouquet of blush roses, eucalyptus, and lamb’s ear – so pretty!

What is your favorite memory of the day?
James: “When they opened the doors, and I saw Kelly for the first time about to walk down the aisle.”

These two said their vows underneath the Carriage House’s new ceremony site; an open air framed arbor anchored by a floral chandelier. So pretty!

What were some of your favorite wedding details?
“I really loved the ceremony location, which had recently been added to the Carriage House. The flower chandelier was a nice addition. I also really loved the simple things that weren’t think I could have planned or added, like all of the already existing florals and greenery around the venue. It really adds to the simplistic beauty of the venue itself.”

Tell us about your wedding!
“We chose the Chapel Hill Carriage House because we wanted a rustic chic and simplistic outdoor feel. (This was our overall theme.) We felt like the Chapel Hill Carriage House was the perfect mix of rustic, with that overall classic beauty too. We also loved that there was corn hole for the guests, and of course…the alpaca dressed up in a bow tie and top hat!”

Do you have any advice for other couples planning their weddings?
“Delegate, delegate, delegate! I tried to give too many tasks to myself. (I’m quite the perfectionist!) However, it is much better to let others help, and delegate some of your remaining tasks to them. Even though it’s tough to let go of something when every task feels trivial!”

What is your favorite wedding day memory?
Kelly: “I think my favorite part was dancing and singing with all of my friends and family (especially when a Taylor Swift song came on!) Or the moments leading up to the ceremony, when we were all lined up and ready to go. It was such a surreal feeling, being so nervous but also so excited.”

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We went to Cancun! It was gorgeous and we had a great time at the Finest Playa Mujeres Resort.

The Great Room at Top of the Hill Wedding

Kelsey + Erik

They always say to expect 25% of the people you invite to your wedding not to show up. Kelsey and Erik had almost every single guest they invited to their wedding RSVP! And it’s easy to see why these two are so adored by everyone they meet – they’re a ton of fun to be around! Kelsey and Erik’s The Great Room at TOPO wedding was a BLAST! Their entire wedding party was so much fun; it’s always awesome when your entire party gets along!
Kelsey and Erik were wed in The Great Room at Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill. Located inside a brewery on historic Franklin Street, The Great Room’s exposed brick and tall white ceilings are a perfect canvas. Danielle (TOPO and Mason Dixon Events) did an awesome job bringing Kelsey’s wedding day vision to fruition. We loved their simple navy and gold decor – and they had the cutest wedding cake I’ve ever seen! But I’m pretty sure it was their ‘First Dance’ that was our favorite moment of the day. Kelsey and Erik entered into their first dance with an original song from Kelsey’s dad, whose band reunited just for her wedding. It was a super sweet moment with tears all around!
We’re so happy these two finally tied the knot and wish them a lifetime of happiness!

How did you and Erik meet?
“We met in college while working at the same bar. I asked Erik out on the first date and from there, everything just fell into place!”

How did Erik propose to you?
“He proposed after a random day off work together. It was just the two of us, at home, in bed with the dogs. It wasn’t a big scene, but it was just us and it was perfect!”

What are some of your favorite way to unwind together?
“We love spending time outside with our dogs. We also love just spending time relaxing together. We both work a lot so getting some down time on is always nice! We are also pretty social and love going out with our friends!”

What were some of your favorite wedding details?
“I loved being able to see the space before anyone came in! Everything was such a blur for us because it all happened so quickly! We are really excited to see the photos from the crosswalk and the top of TOPO! We also loved the toasts and the band! The food was so good! I think it was the hit of the night! So many people commented on it! ALSO, the seating chart that Danielle did turned out so much better than I could have ever imagined! I loved that it added a unique touch to the set up!”

What qualities do you most admire in each other?
“I think we both love that we are growing together. We are learning how to be adults together. We have similar goals and we work well together in achieving them. Erik is a kind person who makes me feel safe. I feel so lucky to have him!”

What is your favorite wedding day memory?
“We really enjoyed our first dance…and also just seeing all of our friends and family in one place!”

Do you have any advice for couples currently planning their own weddings?
“FOCUS!” It goes by so quickly! Try to enjoy each moment and not worry about the next! Also, do NOT stress about too many small things.”

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“Rivera Maya in Mexico. Very nice and relaxing!”

Jessie + Jason’s Top of the Hill Wedding in Chapel Hill, NC.

Jessie and Jason’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend wedding took place at the historic Top of the Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC.
Their brewery wedding had it all – an adorable ring bearer and dog (in matching bowties, no less), a gorgeous, light-filled ceremony space, and even a smore’s bar! It was kind of perfect!
Ever the modern couple, these two also weren’t afraid to ditch traditions; from the first look to the mixed gender bridal party (the bride’s brother was her Man of Honor), Jessie and Jason made their wedding day truly their own. We always love when couples aren’t afraid to showcase their personalities, and these two managed to blend their styles flawlessly.

We started off the day at The Carolina Inn where Jessie was busy getting ready. As the awesome ladies of Bella Trio applied the finishing touches to Jessie’s bridal makeup, we gathered her dress and accessories for a few detail shots throughout the Inn. (These detail shots are always some of our favorite photos since they help tell the story and set the tone for the day.) And oh my goodness – I loved shooting details at The Carolina Inn! It’s such a charming southern hotel. All of the hallways have their own themes with unique artwork and historical photos…we could have spent all day wandering around!
Once we were finished with her wedding details, we headed back to Jessie’s room to catch her mom buttoning her dress and applying her veil. After a champagne toast and final mirror check, it was time for the ‘first look!’
Jessie had been so calm all afternoon while getting ready, but that changed once we stepped into the elevator. Her breathing became a little more shallow and she began swirling her fingers around her engagement ring. Jason was equally anxious to see her as well though, nervously taking swigs of coconut water as he waited for her to tap him on the shoulder. It was sweet! As soon as Jason turned around, he wrapped his arms around Jessie and they both instantly relaxed. …And that’s one of the many reasons why we love ‘First Looks.’ They’re a nice way for couples to squeeze in a little extra time together before all the crazy starts!

We headed outside for bride and groom portraits next. As we photographed them, it became obvious how excited Jessie and Jason were that their wedding day was finally here! They couldn’t stop smiling…and we caught both of them checking the other out more times than we could count! It was adorable and made David and I laugh every time. These two are such a sweet, down-to-earth couple…and that was exactly how their wedding day was – joyful and relaxed!
It’s been such an honor to get to know Jessie and Jason over the last few months. We are so so happy we could be a part of their day! We wish them all the best!

And the Top of the Hill Great Room? Oh my goodness – it was a perfect venue! We fell in love with the high ceilings with string lights, hardwood floors, and exposed brick. Jessie and Jason personalized their ceremony space by including sentimental, antique details like skeleton keys and a vintage mantle adorned with their parents and grandparents wedding photos.

How cute are this ring bearer (and ring dog?) in their bowties?! Total show-stealers! Their tables were styled beautifully – the gold cane chairs, navy table linens with mercury glass votives and hurricane lanterns…love!

Jessie grew up playing foosball with her dad, so it was perfect that TOPO’s Back Bar had a foosball table.
Jessie and her dad were able to squeeze in a quick match during the reception. They were REALLY into their game!

As friends and family began pouring in, it was clear how adored these two are! Everyone in the room was truly delighted to be celebrating with them. Their reception was filled with easy laughter and tons of hugs!